Hey everyone. Seeing lots of good ideas here. I've been working on an update too. I still haven't found a list I'm completely happy with but some of the things I've been trying are:
Healing Wave: This card seems great and maybe the best addition to the deck type. I'm running two and I've removed Vitality Totem.
Charged Hammer: I like this card. It gives some good longevity to the deck and replaces a somewhat unsynergetic hero power. With the additional healing you can afford to take the damage from using the weapon.
Refreshment Vendor: This is an odd one but I've been running one and maybe even two of this card. The four slot has always been a bit underpowered for this deck and while this card isn't exactly what the deck wants, I think it's a stronger version of the defensively postured Sen'jin Shieldmasta. The opponent's health seldom matters.
Elemental Destruction: Strong aoe is exactly what this deck needed. This card is unfortunately overcosted but is still at least a one of. I've added an extra Lava Shock to deal with the extra overload.
To make room for the new cards I'm trying out removing the Ancestral Healing package. It's still good but takes up a lot of room. To make up for the loss of taunt I've been trying out Deathlord. Between Hex and aoe, you can usually handle what comes out.
That's pretty much it. I got up to rank 4 with it but I'm still not quite happy with where it's at. Once I find the right combination I'll make an "official" update.
I'm still trying to maximize Healing Wave efficacy by only running one minion with <5 mana cost (Big Game Hunter in order to shore up the matchup against Handlock). I've added Ysera because she generates so much late-game value and is the fatigue master.
I also switched out Crackle for Lightning Bolt because I was frustrated by the temptation to save Crackle for a big target, only to regret it later when RNGsus' blessings did not flow my way.
Anyways, can't wait to see Crusher's update and would appreciate any feedback you guys have.
the problem is you can use him four times at max and that is provided he doesnt kill a totem.... if totem will die every turn, i m for it, and azure drake's effect is more immediate....
(playtested saraad in totem shaman, not a big fan of him in there)
I am trying Saraad as we speak. Only played a few games so too early to report but Azure Drake is pretty weak in this deck IMO, especially in my version where I run 2 ancestral knowledge. 4 health for a 5 drop is too easily destroyed before your next turn.
Azure is auto-include in a more midrange deck like totem shaman sure. saraad does not make sense in a mid range shaman deck, as you said noctune, but this is a control deck)
I am trying Saraad as we speak. Only played a few games so too early to report but Azure Drake is pretty weak in this deck IMO, especially in my version where I run 2 ancestral knowledge. 4 health for a 5 drop is too easily destroyed before your next turn.
Azure is auto-include in a more midrange deck like totem shaman sure. saraad does not make sense in a mid range shaman deck, as you said noctune, but this is a control deck)
Yes, and I think Saraad will be a great addition to a control deck! Let us know how Saraad works out for you, and I'm going to test it tonight too
Hey Guys! (And Crusher) I tested out my own flavor of this deck (using some suggested cards) and I've come up with this. So far 3-0. (Not a large sample size) but it's fun for sure.
Hey Guys! (And Crusher) I tested out my own flavor of this deck (using some suggested cards) and I've come up with this. So far 3-0. (Not a large sample size) but it's fun for sure.
I'm currently rank 8. Just a note, This isn't the first iteration of the deck. I've been following Crusher's deck for awhile. In the current meta I'm beating other mid range decks pretty well (beat a totem shaman, and even beat a mid-range hunter pretty soundly). I killed off 2 Mech Mages with ease, even had one concede when Healed back to full life with Healing Wave.
However, the deck just fails utterly against Tree Paladin. I cannot for the life of me find a way to counter tree paladin with this deck. (Barring exceptional RNG favoring me and not favoring my opponent).
Also, the deck kinda needs luck to beat face hunter as well. Since your only early game stalling tools are Feral Spirit or IBM+Ancestral Healing.
I am considering what someone else said, and try replacing IBM/Ancestral Healing with 2x Arcane Nullifer and 2x Powermace. I think further play testing is needed. If I did replace Ancestral healing, then that makes TBK less valuable to keep in the deck. And at that point the core components of the deck feel like they are shifting away from control and more toward mid-range.
Hey Sykomyke! Tree Paladin is indeed a problem, but not unique to Crusher Shaman. I'm also thinking I might try the mech variant out again. I recommend running Annoy-o-Trons too for some consistency, but it's getting harder and harder to make room.
I am trying Saraad as we speak. Only played a few games so too early to report but Azure Drake is pretty weak in this deck IMO, especially in my version where I run 2 ancestral knowledge. 4 health for a 5 drop is too easily destroyed before your next turn.
Azure is auto-include in a more midrange deck like totem shaman sure. saraad does not make sense in a mid range shaman deck, as you said noctune, but this is a control deck)
i guess its because i kinda see it push towards midrange, if its control i guess its alright.... i m still tinkering with my built anyway
'Suup ! This is my take on the Crusher shaman. I will use it in October for climbing, and keep you posted on the updates. Right now i had only few days to try it out so i cannot tell you in details too much. I played it from rank 9 till rank 5 this month, for testing purposes.
Main idea of the deck: pretend to be the usual midrangish shaman and then surprise your opponent with PIMPED earth elementals ^^
I wrote anyway a guide into it, to give you an idea of how try to play it. Any feedback is more than welcome of course ! Good luck to US all !
Problem is, it's more mid range-y, doesn't actually have anything to do with the Crusher archetype, and has no healing at all. Please don't take offense, but the idea behind crusher (or mech crusher) is usually to abuse a specific mechanic. In the Crusher archetype this is usually about abusing Ancestral Spirit/Ancestral Healing. (For Mech Crusher it's usually about abusing Powermace synergy).
No offense taken buddy, for me the Crusher factor was the Earth Elemental spamming. I did not mean to go OT, keep it going and aiming for the best one guys. I tried to abuse about the Emperor Thaurissan -> Earth Elemental + Ancestral Spirit + Faceless Manipulator but i find it too unreliable unfortunatly. Even if very awesome when played with success.
So i kept what i liked of the Crusher idea and tried to make it viable for ladder. Cheers ! I will keep looking at your ideas guys
I've had some luck with Mech. I dropped Annoy-a-Tron and ran Antique Healbot in it's place. It seems better if you're not running a minion based early game. Lightning Storm, Power Mace, and Elemental Devastation cover the early stuff.
If someone has better luck with Annoy-a-Tron, chime in.
Edit:
The real selling point of Mech to me, is 4/7 untargetable. It's really dominant in a number of matchups.
BGH might be your safest bet
Hey everyone. Seeing lots of good ideas here. I've been working on an update too. I still haven't found a list I'm completely happy with but some of the things I've been trying are:
Healing Wave: This card seems great and maybe the best addition to the deck type. I'm running two and I've removed Vitality Totem.
Charged Hammer: I like this card. It gives some good longevity to the deck and replaces a somewhat unsynergetic hero power. With the additional healing you can afford to take the damage from using the weapon.
Refreshment Vendor: This is an odd one but I've been running one and maybe even two of this card. The four slot has always been a bit underpowered for this deck and while this card isn't exactly what the deck wants, I think it's a stronger version of the defensively postured Sen'jin Shieldmasta. The opponent's health seldom matters.
Elemental Destruction: Strong aoe is exactly what this deck needed. This card is unfortunately overcosted but is still at least a one of. I've added an extra Lava Shock to deal with the extra overload.
To make room for the new cards I'm trying out removing the Ancestral Healing package. It's still good but takes up a lot of room. To make up for the loss of taunt I've been trying out Deathlord. Between Hex and aoe, you can usually handle what comes out.
That's pretty much it. I got up to rank 4 with it but I'm still not quite happy with where it's at. Once I find the right combination I'll make an "official" update.
Twitch: CrusherHS, Youtube Channel: Hearthstone Crusher
Season 2, 12: Divine Tempo Paladin (Peak NA Legend Rank: 48, 80)
Season 3: Ancestral Control Shaman (Peak NA Legend Rank: 777)
Season 6: Handmage (Peak NA Legend Rank: 301)
Season 7: Deathrattle Aggro Paladin (Peak NA Legend Rank: 135)
Season 10: Deathrattle Tempo Druid (Peak NA Legend Rank: 335)
Season 15: Inner Fire Combo Priest (Peak NA Legend Rank: 1315)
Season 22: Silent Hybrid Druid (Peak NA Legend Rank: 138)
and more...
Can't wait to see your official update soon, Crusher!
Hey everyone, while we wait for Crusher's official update here's something to chew on:
I'm still trying to maximize Healing Wave efficacy by only running one minion with <5 mana cost (Big Game Hunter in order to shore up the matchup against Handlock). I've added Ysera because she generates so much late-game value and is the fatigue master.
I took out Kel'Thuzad and Faceless Manipulator because while the combos they enable (my favorite is Faceless Manipulator + Hex for sick tempo swings) are powerful, by themselves they are fairly weak.
I also switched out Crackle for Lightning Bolt because I was frustrated by the temptation to save Crackle for a big target, only to regret it later when RNGsus' blessings did not flow my way.
Anyways, can't wait to see Crusher's update and would appreciate any feedback you guys have.
The Mistcaller hype train is real.
this is my current theory craft version..... i will be testing it out in a week or two on my day off from school
all c and c welcome
Anyone try Nexus-Champion Saraad in place of an Azure Drake? Seems like he could be useful.
Twitch: CrusherHS, Youtube Channel: Hearthstone Crusher
Season 2, 12: Divine Tempo Paladin (Peak NA Legend Rank: 48, 80)
Season 3: Ancestral Control Shaman (Peak NA Legend Rank: 777)
Season 6: Handmage (Peak NA Legend Rank: 301)
Season 7: Deathrattle Aggro Paladin (Peak NA Legend Rank: 135)
Season 10: Deathrattle Tempo Druid (Peak NA Legend Rank: 335)
Season 15: Inner Fire Combo Priest (Peak NA Legend Rank: 1315)
Season 22: Silent Hybrid Druid (Peak NA Legend Rank: 138)
and more...
Not yet, but I think I will tonight tho! Nexus-Champion Saraad is a nice card, and most times you get good spells from him.
the problem is you can use him four times at max and that is provided he doesnt kill a totem.... if totem will die every turn, i m for it, and azure drake's effect is more immediate....
(playtested saraad in totem shaman, not a big fan of him in there)
I am trying Saraad as we speak. Only played a few games so too early to report but Azure Drake is pretty weak in this deck IMO, especially in my version where I run 2 ancestral knowledge. 4 health for a 5 drop is too easily destroyed before your next turn.
Azure is auto-include in a more midrange deck like totem shaman sure. saraad does not make sense in a mid range shaman deck, as you said noctune, but this is a control deck)
Yes, and I think Saraad will be a great addition to a control deck! Let us know how Saraad works out for you, and I'm going to test it tonight too
Hey Guys! (And Crusher) I tested out my own flavor of this deck (using some suggested cards) and I've come up with this. So far 3-0. (Not a large sample size) but it's fun for sure.
What Rank are you playing at?
looks good going to give it a try! my attempt was so so
I'm currently rank 8. Just a note, This isn't the first iteration of the deck. I've been following Crusher's deck for awhile. In the current meta I'm beating other mid range decks pretty well (beat a totem shaman, and even beat a mid-range hunter pretty soundly). I killed off 2 Mech Mages with ease, even had one concede when Healed back to full life with Healing Wave.
However, the deck just fails utterly against Tree Paladin. I cannot for the life of me find a way to counter tree paladin with this deck. (Barring exceptional RNG favoring me and not favoring my opponent).
Also, the deck kinda needs luck to beat face hunter as well. Since your only early game stalling tools are Feral Spirit or IBM+Ancestral Healing.
I am considering what someone else said, and try replacing IBM/Ancestral Healing with 2x Arcane Nullifer and 2x Powermace. I think further play testing is needed. If I did replace Ancestral healing, then that makes TBK less valuable to keep in the deck. And at that point the core components of the deck feel like they are shifting away from control and more toward mid-range.
Hey Sykomyke! Tree Paladin is indeed a problem, but not unique to Crusher Shaman. I'm also thinking I might try the mech variant out again. I recommend running Annoy-o-Trons too for some consistency, but it's getting harder and harder to make room.
Twitch: CrusherHS, Youtube Channel: Hearthstone Crusher
Season 2, 12: Divine Tempo Paladin (Peak NA Legend Rank: 48, 80)
Season 3: Ancestral Control Shaman (Peak NA Legend Rank: 777)
Season 6: Handmage (Peak NA Legend Rank: 301)
Season 7: Deathrattle Aggro Paladin (Peak NA Legend Rank: 135)
Season 10: Deathrattle Tempo Druid (Peak NA Legend Rank: 335)
Season 15: Inner Fire Combo Priest (Peak NA Legend Rank: 1315)
Season 22: Silent Hybrid Druid (Peak NA Legend Rank: 138)
and more...
i guess its because i kinda see it push towards midrange, if its control i guess its alright.... i m still tinkering with my built anyway
'Suup ! This is my take on the Crusher shaman. I will use it in October for climbing, and keep you posted on the updates. Right now i had only few days to try it out so i cannot tell you in details too much. I played it from rank 9 till rank 5 this month, for testing purposes.
Main idea of the deck: pretend to be the usual midrangish shaman and then surprise your opponent with PIMPED earth elementals ^^
I wrote anyway a guide into it, to give you an idea of how try to play it. Any feedback is more than welcome of course ! Good luck to US all !
FOR DOOMHAMMER
Problem is, it's more mid range-y, doesn't actually have anything to do with the Crusher archetype, and has no healing at all. Please don't take offense, but the idea behind crusher (or mech crusher) is usually to abuse a specific mechanic. In the Crusher archetype this is usually about abusing Ancestral Spirit/Ancestral Healing. (For Mech Crusher it's usually about abusing Powermace synergy).
No offense taken buddy, for me the Crusher factor was the Earth Elemental spamming. I did not mean to go OT, keep it going and aiming for the best one guys. I tried to abuse about the Emperor Thaurissan -> Earth Elemental + Ancestral Spirit + Faceless Manipulator but i find it too unreliable unfortunatly. Even if very awesome when played with success.
So i kept what i liked of the Crusher idea and tried to make it viable for ladder. Cheers ! I will keep looking at your ideas guys
I've had some luck with Mech. I dropped Annoy-a-Tron and ran Antique Healbot in it's place. It seems better if you're not running a minion based early game. Lightning Storm, Power Mace, and Elemental Devastation cover the early stuff.
If someone has better luck with Annoy-a-Tron, chime in.
Edit:
The real selling point of Mech to me, is 4/7 untargetable. It's really dominant in a number of matchups.